Concept of Fitra
An important concept relating to the concept of human nature from an Islamic perspective is fitra. Fitra refers to the primordial state of man- his natural condition and disposition. The optimistic view of human nature is rooted in this concept. Islam posits that the natural state of man is a positive and ‘good’ state – one in submission to God. This is related to the idea that all souls made a pledge with God before earthly existence, acknowledging Him as their Lord (Qur’an, Surah Al-A’raf, 7:172). Even before we were born, or were conceived, our souls met with Allah. The spiritual [...]
The Light of Truth
What Is Life? Man's existence in this world and the creation of this entire universe are not mere accidents or products of a fortuitous nature. This universe, every single atom of it, manifests and leads us to the realization of a Loving, Merciful and All-powerful Creator. Without a Creator, nothing can exist. Every single soul knows that he is existing and that his existence is dependent upon a Creator he knows for sure that he cannot create himself. Therefore it is his duty to know his master, the Creator. Mankind: Man is a unique creature. God establishes man as His representative [...]
Fun In Ramadan
There is a dangerous tendency noticed especially in Ramadan, i.e. wasting one's time instead of spending it in Allah's worship, remembrance and obedience. In fact, it is the renunciation of Allah's worship and obedience which results in the deprivation of Allah's Mercy and Divine awards. Thus, Allah said: "But whosoever turns away from My message verily for him is a life narrowed down, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Judgement. He will say: 'O my Rubb, why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight (before)? Allah will say: ' Thus did you, when Our signs [...]
Heal the Broken Heart
As for the sickness of desire and passionate love then this is the soul loving that which would harm it coupled with this is a hatred of that which would benefit it. Passionate love is a psychological sickness, and when it's effects become noticeable on the body, it becomes a sickness that afflicts the mind also. Either by afflicting the mind by the likeness of melancholy, or afflicting the body through weakness and emancipation. But the purpose here is to discuss its effect on the heart, for passionate love is the fundament that makes the soul covet that which would harm [...]
Taqdir
Allah Almighty has known since eternity those who will enter Paradise and those who will go to the Hell-Fire. No increase or decrease in this divine knowledge will occur at all. Allah Almighty knows all the actions that the people will undertake. The actions that are destined for each individual will be made easier to him. Actions are valued according to their ends. Fortunate is the one, whose Taqdir is in his favour and wretched is the one whose Taqdir falls against him. Taqdir is a secret placed by Allah Almighty among His creatures which is not known even by any close angel or by [...]
Concerning Gossiping
We have already mentioned its prohibition as well as the evidences for that and what has been reported concerning the punishment for it. We also mentioned its definition, however all of this was brief. We will now add more to its explanation. Imaam Abu Haamid Al-Ghazali (rahimahullaah) said: "For the most part, gossip (nameemah) is attributed to the one who takes the statement of a person (concerning another individual), and relates it back to that individual that is being spoken about. An example of this is when someone says: ‘That person said such and such about you.’ However, gossiping is not limited [...]
Blessings And Benefits
The decision to purify and develop yourself requires that you clearly define the path and consider the ways and means to achieve Paradise. This whole process will not only purify your heart, but also affect your entire life and the will of Allah will become so much easier for you to follow. Following the Divine Will is, of course, tazkiya itself. Soon all your efforts will be directed towards the ultimate goal - the pleasure of Allah and Paradise. Know that every sin can be effaced through forgiveness, and forgiveness is a sure way to Paradise. As you strive to better yourself, then, [...]
Barakah (Blessing)
Meanings Barakah means to kneel down or to make a camel kneel down so that it is firmly in place. The words other meaning is to bless or to invoke blessing. In this latter meaning barakahand its derivatives are used 32 times in the Qur'an, either as a noun or as a verb. In the Qur'an this word is overwhelmingly used for spiritual and immaterial prosperity. The following five meanings are narrated by eminent lexicographers: Growth, increase and advancement, especially in crops and cultivation (Surah al-A’raf 7: 96) Dignity, exaltation and high status Permanence and continuity of blessings, as in Surah Hud 11: [...]
Hasten To Break The Fast
Sahl ibn Sa‘d reported that Allaah’s Messenger (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, “The people will continue to prosper as long as they hasten to break the fast.” [Collected by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim.][1] Sahl ibn Sa‘d ibn Maalik was from the Khazraj tribe of Madeenah. It is said that his name was originally “Huzn (sadness)” and the Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) renamed him “Sahl (easy)”. When the Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) died he was only fifteen years old. He was the last of the companions to die in Madeenah in the year 91AH (some said it was 88AH). Ahmad’s collection had the addition: “…and they delay the suhoor.” [2] Aboo Daawood’s narration had the addition: “Because [...]
